German Chocolate Cake Recipe

This is a classic recipe for German Chocolate Cake. I am sure many of you have tried this before so you already know how dominant and rich it really is. The cake itself is fairly rich and moist; the frosting uses ingredients such as shredded coconut and chopped pecans. As you can see from the ingredient list, this might not be the healthiest recipe for you, but it sure is good! This cake is a triple layer so make sure to take small slices. This recipe makes a perfect dessert, give it a try for Easter.

Ingredients:
1 (4 ounce) package sweet dark chocolate
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter (softened)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs (separated)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting-
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter
4 egg yolks (slightly beaten)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (7 ounce) package shredded coconut (about 2-2/3 cups)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 3 (9 inch) round baking pans. Over a double boiler melt the chocolate. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and set aside. In another bowl sift flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time beating well after egg one is added. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk beating well after each addition (so add a little flour, then a little buttermilk, repeat until gone). Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until they form a peak. Fold egg whites into batter. Pour and divide evenly into the 3 baking pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes remove from the cake pans and finish cooling on wire racks.
Step 3: To make the frosting- In a large sauce pan add milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks and vanilla. Cook on medium heat for 12 minutes while stirring constantly until the mixture has thickened and is golden brown. Remove from heat, stir in coconut and pecans. Cool to room temperature and spreading consistency.
Step 4: Spread the frosting between each of the layers and then over the top and sides of the entire cake.